My Dear Boys:¹

Have you forgotten me? I’ve not forgotten you even if I have been so long time writing to you, as I promised. I so often think of you and wish I was back to teach you Sundays. I do not know the language well enough to teach on Sunday yet but through the week I teach English in the school. Now if there was some sort of an air ship that would take me the 9000 miles very rapidly on Saturday and bring me back as quickly Monday morning I might be with you every Sunday. Which one of you will invent something? Of course I want it very safe for I should not like the idea of being dropped in the middle of the Pacific, and being devoured by one of those mammoth animals, would you?

How nice it would be, then I could tell you all about this funny country and people, which would be so much nicer than this way for both you and me. Now I want you to look for a few minutes at this little Korean boy. He is just about as big as you are, and he has a face about as white as yours when you have played out in the sun and wind. His hair is black like some of you have, but it is as different as can be. Why do you think it is different? Well I will tell you. Every boy wears his hair in a braid down his back until he is married. If he is married at twelve years of age as many of them are his hair is put up in a funny knot on top of his head. If he is still unmarried at 30 or 40 years of age, he still wears his hair down his back like the little boys. This is very rare, but I have seen a few and they look very strange. There is another thing about the boy that is very different from you. Wouldn’t it be funny if you wore white clothes from one Christmas until the next. Your mothers like to put dark clothes on you so you will look clean. This little boy I am showing you is very clean for he has just put on his New Year’s clothes and I wouldn’t want to show you a dirty one, although they are very easy to find here, but wouldn’t you look dirty too, if you had to work and play with white stockings, pants and coat on? I think they have a very nice kind of shoes. They are made of wood and have two Page 54 →pieces an inch and a half high on the sole of each shoe, which raises the feet above the mud. They wear a long time and they only cost about 10 cents. You are wondering I expect what kind of hat he wears and you will think it funny when I tell you he has none. It isn’t because he is poor but because he has no wife. When he is married he can wear a hat. If he should come to see me after he is married, he will leave his shoes on the veranda and wear his hat into the house, while you boys would wear your shoes and take off your hats. You are all polite, the difference is in the customs of the two countries. This is the New Year Season. lt began on our 6th of February and ends today, the 20th. They don’t know Jesus and can’t have any Christmas time so they celebrate the New Year’s holidays. They have very good times. Of course they have good things to eat—dried fish, seaweed, soup with rice and other things in it, very bad smelling pickles made of turnips, which l have not had courage to taste, raw bread, oranges, nuts, Korean candy, dates etc. I think we might help them eat the latter things because they like the others so much better than we do—don’t you think so?

At New Year’s they come around to bow to us. They get down on their knees, prostrating themselves until their heads touch the floor. The girls bow some differently and very prettily l think. This is the time of the year for them to fly kites. How you would like to help them, wouldn’t you? I think they can make their kites go higher than yours. They look very strange to me for they are square with a big round hole in the middle and without any tail at all. Almost any time I look out of the window l can see a dozen or more up very high. Do you want to know what the girls do? I can hear them now. They have a see-saw board—one girl stands on one end of the board and another girl on the other end. One jumps down on the board and the other is sprung into the air, and as she jumps down the first girl is sent into the air. At first I was very much afraid they would fall, but they always come down so nicely on their feet, that I got so fearless I even tried to do it myself this morning, but l was not such a successful jumper as our Korean girls.

These people, (who do not know Jesus nor believe in the heaven where we are going when we die if we know Jesus), have some very queer beliefs and very strange customs. They shoot off a great many bunches of fire crackers on their door steps at night to frighten away the evil spirits. They are afraid of pictures because the bad spirits may be in the faces. Yesterday a friend bought a straw baby to show me. What do you think they do with these babies? They put money inside and throw the baby away. Little boys tear it up to get the money out, and the silly man who threw it away thinks he is safe to live another year, Page 55 →for the straw baby represents him and it was torn to pieces and died once therefore he cannot die again. Next year if he still lives he will do the same thing.

I have not told you what funny houses these people live in nor how they are made. They use twigs from trees instead of lathes and tie these together with rope for they run both upward and cross-wise, making little square holes, then this is plastered with mud and forms the wall both outside and inside. The roof is of straw and the windows are of paper. The floor is stone under which they build the fire to heat the house. My friend, Miss Paine, and myself lived for a week in one of these houses eating from one of their tables a foot and a half from the floor, sleeping as they do on the hot floor, our bed being a few comfort[er]s beneath us and a few above us. We had no chairs, for they sit on the floor all the time. We did not eat their food nor wear their clothes except their kind of stockings, but we did everything else as they do. So many came to see us then we had an opportunity to tell them about Jesus. We had to live that way because we haven’t money to build us a little house over by that church, but when we have the money to build a few rooms, the people can hear about Jesus every day instead of only on Sundays. They say “O, what good news!” and many of them remember the good works they hear and begin to serve God. Wouldn’t it seem strange to ask someone who Jesus was and have them say “they did not know” or “they heard yesterday”? These people can’t serve God because they never heard of him but what excuse have those at home who have always known of him? These people look a little different from us but their souls are just like yours & mine, and if we all love Jesus and serve him here on earth when we go to heaven we will all be alike for “we shall be like Him.”

I hope I shall hear from some of you, at least one of you. I intended to leave you my address but the last Sunday I was away and did not get to see you again. Address me simply this way:

Lulu E. Frey,

Seoul,

Korea,

and I will get it all right. Will whoever writes me, do so very quickly and send me the names of all the boys in the class, the new ones as well as the old scholars and I shall write you again.

Don’t forget to pray for me as you promised, and I will always remember you. Very lovingly,

Your Teacher,

Lulu E. Frey.

My Dear Mother:

We waited a long time for our mail, but it accumulated and we had a big mail when it did come. Out of my ten letters four were from you, dated Dec 25, Jan 1, Jan 5, and Jan 7, and Georgia’s enclosed. A good letter from Lida, one from Laura,² the first I’ve had from her. One from Emma Dame and one from Betsie Rife. I am still looking for Mary’s³ letter, she is such a procrastinator. You received my schedule, did you get one also from Boston? Mrs. Paine wrote Josephine that she had one ready to send you. Lida excuses Nettie⁴ by saying “you know when she reads a little and dreams a little more there is no time left for much else.” I thought that was it, but I think it is much habit. I remember before she was married she used to write such long letters to her friends, but as long as you don’t forget me I shall be happy. I have answered Lida’s letter.

That was news to me about Mattie Humphrey, how very nice it is for her. Is she in the same school with Lizzie? I hope Grandma is better by this time. I wrote her a letter, have you read it? Aunt Anna has not deigned to answer my letter, or Web either.⁵ But no matter my best friends are outside my relatives my immediate family excepted. You suggest my writing to St. Jo.⁶ I may write to Guy⁷ some time if you send me the address. I have neglected to write it down and am not certain about it. I wish you would tell any who want to hear from me, to write me and I will be so glad to hear from them and will surely answer. I think you understand what I mean. My teacher has come so farewell—

I am studying very hard now to be ready for our March examination. You will notice in the book I sent father some time ago, the course laid out for missionaries. I take the one on the verb next time which is by far the most difficult term’s work of all. The rest will be comparatively easy. I have just come back from Mrs. Scranton’s room where we take 9 o’clock cup of chocolate—Miss Paine thinks she gains three pounds every cup she drinks. I do not think I am gaining very much now, I lost one pound last month and Miss P. gained one pound. She weighs an even 200 now. I told her she took my pound. I am glad you liked our pictures, they are taken and finished by a Japanese. They are a very progressive nation. I do not know who Miss P. looks like. I think more like Mary Miller not at all like Laura. She has her build and hair & eyes.

Page 57 →Saturday night, February 24—

Miss Paine and I were up to Mrs. Swallen’s this afternoon. The mud is something terrible—I mean I never saw anything like this in America. Mrs. S. has had a Chinese tailor to make her some short baby clothes and some wrappers⁸ for herself. She has a pongee⁹ that is beautiful, I think when I can get the tailor I will have me one made too for they are neat and pretty beside being cool. Isn’t it strange how these men come and make our clothes. This wrapper he only had a picture of and he cut it from that. Everyone is preparing for the hot weather, I think I am well enough fixed except in wrappers when the dress you are sending me comes. Things are very different in many ways than I thought. There is so much more society than I thought. As I often say we are to each other all there is agreeable for the surroundings are beyond description. We are beginning to plan for the hot summer. They talk of building some cottages on one of the islands near Chemulpo and making it a resort for all the missionaries who have no place to go here like the Chinese missionaries and Japanese. I have not much idea that it will be done this summer. I am so sorry I forgot the hammock I talked of all summer—you know I tried to get Papa or Georgia to give me one, and when I failed I thought I’d get it myself, but forgot it—I did not think of it when I asked for my dress. By the way, don’t forget to send me the expense of my dress and I’ll remit to you. When I do get a hammock I want one like Mrs. John Colton’s. How is she? I wrote Oscar and Lena soon after I came. Miss Paine and I enjoy the books they gave me very much—scarcely a day passes we do not read in them. We do a great deal of reading together. Now we are reading Victor Hugo’s “Les Miserables.” Isn’t it entertaining? We borrowed it from Mrs. Swallen. We can get many magazines and paper novels out of the Seoul Union Library—I do not belong yet but put my name in yesterday. Miss Paine wanted me to join so badly. The members have the tennis court in the summer, the Friday afternoon tea and monthly sociables and the use of the library, so of course it is very nice to belong.

I’ve had the sewing woman fix my underclothes today. I’ve never been able to wear them so I cut the placket down the front & those plackets on the sides and out under the arms. You know the corset cover and drawers together the ladies made me—With these little alterations so I can get into them, I think I will like them ever so much. I am going to put them on for spring wear and save my thinner ones for summer. Well, I must close and take my bath. The gate man has just brought my water. Miss P. and I have a Chinese tub, it looks more like a majolica ware than anything I ever saw at home. I like it better than Page 58 →ours for it is always clean, while the zinc is so hard to keep clean. They heat the water down in the laundry and when we ring, they bring it and put it in the tub. I wish you could see the way they carry water. The have a harness which they put on with a board fitting on their back & two poles projecting out each way on the ends of which are hooks and suspended from these by a rope are the buckets. They carry two full buckets—the strain being upon the back rather than the arms. They use their heads and backs for all burdens. Good night my dear darling mother—you don’t know how much I love you!

Monday morning: My teacher has gone out to buy me some Japanese writing material for our study so while he is gone I will write a little. Yesterday Miss Paine and I went over to the East Gate¹⁰ for native service. It was a lovely day and I enjoyed the ride across the city. My chair men were very careful, sometimes they shake one so that there is no comfort at all—by the way our way of riding is not to be compared to those lovely jinrickshas.¹¹ I long to go back to Japan to get some more of these rides. The roads are so beautiful there. There is nothing pretty in Seoul except the surrounding mountains but the sights are so strange. They think we are very funny. I had a man running alongside of my chair for a while looking at me. Many of them have good laughs at our appearance. In our part of the city where they are used to foreigners it is different, but anywhere we always have the first right to the road and the highest language addressed to us. Have you ever seen Americans make way for a foreigner? If we are walking our servant goes ahead and says, “Get out of the way,” and every one scatters. “Annie” our girl at the East Gate says she wishes we would hurry and send some foreigners over there.¹² People peep in at the windows and scare her. When foreigners are there she is not molested. Isn’t it strange that we are a protection from their own people?

March 1—Went to the Seoul Union entertainment last evening. Wore my black silk as did a number of others. There were silks, velvets and light henriettas¹³ there. I said at the supper table before I went I thought when I left America [I had left] all the fuss of “what shall I wear,” there. We had a very pleasant evening. Refreshments were served, several kinds of cake, tea and salid [sic]. The German Consul, English Consul’s wife, Mr. Brown the customs officer, several other diplomats and a number of missionaries. Our American Secretary and wife were not there because he has been quite sick for some time.

Received Georgia’s novel letter written in school, Miss R.’s postal and Jessie’s letter and was glad to hear from all but was disappointed not to have a Page 59 →scratch from my mother. We expect Miss Rothweiler to arrive at Yokohama the 17 of March and two weeks more at least will bring her to us. I hope we shall like her, for are a very congenial happy family now. Mrs. Scranton is very happy that Miss Rothweiler is on her way, when she arrives we will be seven in number ranging in ages from sixty-one to 25 years. When my dress arrives I will answer Jessie’s letter. I read in one of the papers¹⁴ that Grant¹⁵ made you a visit. I anxiously await your next letter telling me of him. Did he get the letter I wrote, if he did why didn’t he answer as he suggested. He wanted to hear every three months from me. When the three months had expired I would have written again but did not have his address.

I was glad to hear from father. He wrote me such a long newsy letter. I wish he would write often. I had not realized that you considered my letters interesting reading except because they come from me and I thought when you got used to your daughter being a missionary you would not care so much for others to read my letters. My first impressions of course are most interesting and as I see these things over and over they become so common that one would not think of speaking of them. I thought after father spoke of them being “sought and not forced” upon the people that the things I’ve spoken of in the letters together with the experiences of years with the people would be the things to interest an audience. So if you can keep my letters for me I will find them helpful when I come home and am expected to talk. I shall forget about those things which seemed strange to me at first and the same to you and others, by that time, for already I am becoming accustomed to many things. The thing which shocked the people so, which Mr. Gardner did in Mr. Stewart’s back yard is the commonest sight on one of the streets in Seoul. I see dozens in the act if I walk a block. They think no more of it than we do of blowing the nose. Today my teacher asked me to be excused while he went to the water closet. Of course it was said in Korean and did not sound so badly as if it had been said in English. They don’t think of it as we do. “To him that thinketh evil it is evil.”

[A more private addendum just for her mother]

I’m so sorry to hear of Grandma’s feeble health. Where does Aunt Anna get her littleness; not from Grandma. I am anxious to know the outcome of it all. I do not say much in my home letters of family affairs because others could not read them if I did. This letter I’ve reserved for odd bits I’ve wanted to say all along but refrained for that reason. I am glad Aunt Martha has gone. Her last days were miserable for herself and others too.

The papers came address[ed] by Nettie and father and one with the mittens Page 60 →enclosed. I am glad to get them, they are very nice. The paper had “Frey” on but the writing must have been Adda’s sister’s. I live from one mail to the next. They are usually 15 days apart. Older missionaries say we will get over that after a while, but I’ve inherited that from you don’t you think?

I’m ashamed to be continually asking you to send me something but I wish you would send in a paper or some way some of that rubber for dress shields Nannie and Nettie used to make out of, enough for several pair of shields, I think that would be better than buying the shields, don’t you? Another thing if you would put some American stamps or a dollar bill in now & then I would not need to bother you for little things I want. The exchange is such a nuisance. We take our silver have it exchanged into gold and get a check on the Parent Board at New York in some way. There is so much red tape that one does not want to go through it for a small amount but as soon as I can send you $50 more or less I’ll do so. The exchange is so very low now that I would have to lose if I did have it to spare.

Laura writes me that Etta Snay¹⁶ has a position in a Methodist Seminary in Lenore, N. Carolina,¹⁷ a salary of more than $50 and board and washing included. Isn’t that nice for her? It is late and I must close for I have several other letters to finish before I go to bed. The letters must go before breakfast.

Love to all—

Lulu

[Written upside down at the top of the page]

Etta took my letters with her thinking it would seem creditable to have a Meth. Missionary friend.

My Dear Little Sister:

I owe you a letter, for the last steamer brought me one from you, and if I want one from you again soon I must answer right away. What a long time it does take for a letter to come, but if we stop to think what a distance the letter has to travel to reach us, it seems very short. It has been raining all day, the most melancholy rain, but it will make the garden grow. Spring is here now and everything looks beautiful, I mean on our grounds. Outside, it is as dirty as ever and as the days grow warmer the odors are worse than ever. We divide our outdoor work. Miss Paine has the vegetable garden to oversee, and I have the fruit garden, Mrs. Scranton the lawn and flowers. Did I tell you we had Page 61 →grapes, raspberries, blackberries, currants and strawberries growing besides a good many small fruit trees. These have all been brought from America. We sent to California for our garden seeds. Will you come and take dinner with us some day? I wish you could see the lovely mountains around us. There is one large one at our left which is like one solid grey rock and another on our right which is covered with green foliage trees.¹⁸ They are both pretty, but so totally different.

Last night one of the girls came in with her hair done up on her head and all the short hairs in front curled, and announced that she was Miss Frey. She wouldn’t make a bad looking American, her skin is as white as mine. Her nose is a little too flat and her eyes too small, but I don’t think if she was in America and dressed our way she would be taken for a foreigner.

I wish you could hear my class in Arithmetic say their multiplication tables:

“Tule bun han tule isso.”

2 × 1 2 is

“Tule bun sate yasit isso.”

2 × 3 6 is.

They do very well when they study; they are like you sometimes, when they like to play instead of studying. Today they were to review the tables. I noticed on the board some figures like this:

2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 etc.

3, 6, 9, 12, 15 etc.

4, 8, 12, 16 etc.

When time to recite came someone had seen me looking at it and rubbed it out. I called one girl up and asked for the “sevens” - She began “Ilcope bun,” glanced at the board and saw the figures were gone so that was all she could say. I could not help laughing at the way she was caught.

Saturday May 5

According to your little calendar which you sent me this is the date and tomorrow I think is Web’s birthday. I always remember the birthdays as they come along. Today the girls are excited over a swing which is being put up for them. The rope is made of straw. I would hardly think it could be strong enough but they make all their rope out of rice straw. Maggie¹⁹ came in a few moments ago to show me her birds. They take birds when they are very little and feed Page 62 →& pet them and when they are old enough to fly away they go and when the girls want them they make a noise like the mother bird and they come for their food—now if she makes that noise they open their little mouths and she puts the rice in. She brought them in on her finger, dyed red, blue and green until they look more like little canary birds than English sparrows. I said “poor little birds they have no mother.” “O yes,” she said, “I am their mother.” Maggie is such a nice girl—she it was who came in with her hair fixed like mine. Yesterday she brought me in a most gorgeous “chumony”²⁰ made of deep pink silk with a green string and various colored pendants on the ends of the string. I haven’t forgotten that I promised to send mother one but I can’t find any silk that I think she would use after I sent it. Miss Paine says she would not wear it anyway but would keep it as a curio.

I hope you got the white goods I sent you for a dress and the silk for a sash I sent Nettie to make for you and Martha.²¹ The dress goods may shrink a little lengthwise so make the sleeves a little long and put a tuck in the skirt if it is made up before it is washed. If the red dress you made out of mine is as pretty as it looks in the picture, you must look very nice in it.

Well, I suspect you are as delighted over Mary’s baby as Lena is.²² You must tell me what his name is, who he looks like and all about him, when you write me. I hear the Scranton children and Mrs. Appenzeller’s little girl out in our yard gathering violets—They are just thick in the grass and little “forget me nots” beside many other little wild flowers. Miss Paine said the other day, “Wouldn’t Georgia enjoy picking these flowers—” I said “yes, but she would soon get tired and want to go home.”

Well dear—I must write Mamma a little letter so I must close yours.

Let me hear from you often—I like your letters so much.

With much love for all, and kisses for yourself—

Your Sister Lulu.

[Note at top of page: “Seal the letters after you read them. Love and Kisses to all. L-”]

My Dear Mother:

I am delighted and feel flattered, that people like to read my letters. You like it too, and I know you love me but don’t deny me the pleasure of talking with you at least once in two weeks. The next time you sit down to write me, think to Page 63 →yourself if “this or that” would sound well in print, then you will realize to some extent how I feel when I try to write. I don’t let it trouble me much however for I write to you, and then let it go and if it happens to be anything that will please others, I’ve no objections to your passing it along, but as for writing the public through you I can’t do it, for it takes my pleasure in writing away. If I can’t see my mother, I must at least open my heart to her once in a while at least by letter.

I enclose two letters—one for Zoe and one for Jessie. I have left them unsealed purposely that you may read if you like. There is nothing especially interesting in them but perhaps there may be some little thing I’ve not spoken of to you. I send Georgia a letter this mail too. I have written to Virgie,²³ sending the letter to Columbus. I presume if she and Laura have gone, they will forward it. You asked Miss Rothweiler about trees and whether we had a veranda. We have a front one going clear across in all 90 ft.—You can see part of it in the Conference picture I sent you. I sent to California for a nice hammock—I hope it will be very nice like Mrs. Colton’s and will come before the summer is over. The hooks are up just outside our door waiting for it. I send you two pictures of our room, one for Nettie & one for you—choose which yourselves. In one you see the stove (German make), two “changs”²⁴ purely Korean, one black inlaid with pearl which Miss Paine bought for herself of a pedlar. It is a beauty. The bedroom door is between. The archway also goes into the bedroom & forms a passageway to the water closet. The head of the bed is between the arch & the door—you can see a corner of the pillowcase. The other picture shows Miss Paine’s desk, the table where I am now writing, rocking chair I bought of the China man, stove & center table. The two pictures together only show half of our study. Our new bookcase and another pretty chang we were not able to get in the pictures. The box on the table is our music box I wrote of. Both show very nicely the Korean architecture. Well, my water is waiting so I must take my bath.

Well, as George²⁵ says in her letter—Now we’ll “change the subject.” I’m glad you and Mrs. Paine are becoming friends. I said to Josie one day, “I wish our mothers knew each other”—soon after we learned you were corresponding—some day you may meet. Miss Paine writes her mother everything and anything, little silly things that I wouldn’t think of writing, so I expect through her you may learn more of our home life than you do through me.—How is Edna Pratt I wish she would write to me. People hear from me through my letters in the paper and they don’t stop to think that I haven’t the same way of hearing from them. However I get as many letters and more than I can answer creditably.

Page 64 →I’m so glad you have one of the McCurdy girls with you all of the time, they are worth more to you than if I was at home and soon Georgia will be old enough to care for you, and by the time Georgia is married I may be home to stay with you—altho’ now I expect to spend my days here. The years after the first five, one is able to do so much better work since one is not as hampered with learning the language.

I must get ready for bed—so good night. Write me again soon. I’m disappointed always when I don’t hear from home.

Lovingly—

Lulu.

Dear Mother:

Your letters mailed March 23 & April 4 came today, also one from Grant & Elsie W²⁶ & several others from those whom you do not know. I will answer in a few days. I send this on the steamer which goes tonight. My head aches so bad that I can’t think to write a letter hastily. You don’t object to postals.²⁷ Do people ask for the stamps off of my letters? The big blue ones are rare. I got three Easter book marks in my mail today and an Easter card in the last one. It is so nice to be remembered—one came from Grant. Give my love to all and a kiss for all the children—

I am Lovingly

Lulu.

My Dear Father:

My last few home letters, I fear, have been very unsatisfactory, but it couldn’t well be otherwise, since I have been sick. I am teaching again now and as soon as I get strong again I will be as well as ever. I went out to “Tennis” yesterday but did not play. Someone remarked at me being well enough to be out. I said, “Ah yes, we have a doctor in our house and she gives such nasty medicine that one has to get well in self-defense.” Miss Paine was my nurse all the time and rather enjoyed, it seemed to me, to make me take the doctor’s horrid doses. You know I’m not very good taking medicine. Miss Paine is so good to me, I Page 65 →don’t know what I’ll do when she goes to Japan. She is going for the change of scene alone, for it will be if anything hotter than it is here in the summer. Not withstanding all I’ve said in former letters of the fearful diseases the people here have, Korea is a healthful climate. We must except the six weeks rainy season which comes in July and August, when the green mould stands out on the furniture, and one’s dresses, gloves and shoes become spotted. Nothing is safe except cotton goods. I wish I had had my box lined with tin so I could seal up my woolen goods, and kid things. As I have said before it is the filth of the city which makes so much sickness. Every few days we have a wind which blows across this city and gives us all most terrible headaches. Koreans call it “wind headache.” At first I laughed at the idea, but I soon came to the conclusion that it is because the wind gathers the impurities in crossing the city.

The fighting still continues in the south.²⁸ We hear a great many reports, of which we doubt if any are true. In a country where there are no newspapers it is very difficult to know for a certainty anything that is transpiring. There is no immediate trouble here in Seoul at any rate. I told you in the last letter not to worry over any of the reports which reach you through the papers. It is quite probable they are false, as many of them are. I wrote of the trouble Dr. Hall’s people were having in the north.²⁹ He is still there—We have heard nothing further so judge all is well with them now. The Koreans are very brutal in their punishment. You read no doubt not long ago of the assassination of Mr. Kim³⁰ who has been an exile in Japan for some 8 or more years. He favored a revolution of government. He was enticed into China where he was murdered, it is said, by plan of the Korean king. His body, at any rate, was brought here and cut into seven pieces to be taken to each province as a warning to all who may attempt anything against the government. This does seem brutal, but if we look back not more than a hundred years we can see things Americans have done as bad as this—for instance—killing for witchcraft. Wasn’t it Cromwell’s bones which the English dug up and in mockery placed in a chair with a crown on his head?³¹ My memory fails me and I haven’t a book to refer to, which will have it.

There is no doubt about it, the country is in a troubled condition. The people are so downtrodden by the gentry. We scarcely know what the outcome will be. But if it should get very bad we would probably all go to Japan.

Our work is prospering well now. Sundays our native churches are full, ready to be taught. As yet I do nothing outside of school work. I see a great deal to be done, but I am like the idols now, with ears that hear not and mouths that speak not. I cannot see that I learn much but I think little by little I am Page 66 →acquiring the language. We have a lecture every Tuesday night in our parlor by Mr. Hulbert who has well mastered Korean.³²

I received today an invitation to a Garden party at the English legation in honour of the anniversary of the birthday of the Queen, May 24.

Grant’s letter came on the last mail, with an explanation of [his] travels. Since he cannot give me a permanent address I will write sometime soon and send to B[ellefontaine]—then you can forward to him. His letter was written in Balt. Md. mailed I think in Richmond, Va. The envelope was so torn that the letters fell out as they were handed to me. Do my letters ever come to you in a bad condition?

I would like to step in and see how you all look. I don’t think I’d care to stay long, for my work is here. It isn’t such a very long distance after all, and the distance from one side of the globe to the other gets shorter every year that science advances. Think of leaving Korea the 14th of June & reaching Boston the 10th of July! That is what can be done, provided no storms delay the steamers. This is on the Vancouver line.

Well, your letters are very welcome. Accept love from your daughter,

Lulu.

Dear Mother:

We are anxiously awaiting another mail. One steamer will be in tomorrow so by Sunday I think we may have a mail—I’m afraid, however, it comes from China so of course it will bring us no home mail.

We girls are alone this week. Mrs. Scranton is over by the East Gate³³ with our Korean teacher, Mrs. Ye.³⁴ It makes the work some harder when Mrs. Ye is away. The girls are so afraid of her that they behave out of fear. They have a nice big swing up in the back yard and these pretty days they would rather swing than study. Korean girls in most respects are like American girls. Does Georgia study very much? It is almost time for school to close and I suspect she is not sorry. I hope she will keep her music up during the summer months. I regret that I do not know a little at least.

I wrote father of the Garden party at the English Legation to be the 24th of May. I think I will initiate my white swiss—I think it will be most appropriate. The American Legation is being repaired now. We called on Mrs. Sill³⁵ a few days before I took sick. Her sister Mrs. Graham is with her they are people Page 67 →about your age. Mrs. Allen,³⁶ of whom you have heard me speak as the Secretary’s wife is quite a young woman. However, there are no young people or old people, for together we are only about 60 foreigners (Europeans). But a nicer community I never saw anywhere.

I am glad Grand-ma still improves. How is Web? I am so sorry to hear that Nettie is suffering again. I wrote to her last but when I can find time I will write anyhow. I am sorry they go to the country again. Lida³⁷ will go with them? If it is not damp there she may not feel any worse physically than she does in town. She will make the place look cozy, no doubt about that. She has good taste. She is a brave girl, and not so bad off as many another would be situated the same way. She has such a resource in herself. There is a rich old Kentucky lady here whose son is advisor to the king.³⁸ She is so delighted to have us go to see her—talks about everything and anything and everybody in a most entertaining manner, but when she is alone she is one of the most miserable women who ever lived.

Well I must go into school now. Our school won’t be out until the first of July. Miss Paine goes away the 15 of June to Japan. If it were my second summer I certainly would go too, but I can’t go as it is now.

School is out and I’m free again. Miss Paine is having the tailor make her a dress out of the goods of which I sent you a sample. He makes a dress easily in two days and does it very neatly for about 40 cents a day in gold.

While I think of it—tell father he need not renew the subscription of the S.S. journal for it comes after the lessons are all over and besides we do not use the Int. lessons in our work. I think another year I would like the Republican. It will have all the news and come regularly to me. I think if they appreciate my letters they might afford in return to send me the paper. Appreciation does not always go so far as that.

I miss Mrs. Swallen very much now she has gone to Won San.³⁹ I had a letter from her a few days ago. She says they feel like pioneer missionaries. They are high & cool—right on the sea, but the fish smells are almost unendurable. So it is—There is some objection to most every place but one’s own home. I had such a sweet letter from a little girl in Cape May, N.J.—she had read of me and her name is Lulu too, so she would like me to write. Enclosed was a beautiful King’s daughter⁴⁰ book mark.—So I received another letter from a Kansas friend who also wants a letter. She also inclosed a book mark. Together with the pretty one Grant sent me makes me three in one mail. It is beginning to be such a task to write letters to be read in public and published. It is such a relief to write you a home letter.

Page 68 →Our afternoon tea is ready so good bye—Write soon and often—Only one mail since the first has failed to bring me letters from home.

With love to yourself and all—I am, Lulu.

My Dear Mother:

Your letter of various dates mailed Apr. 14 came today. A nice letter from Georgia and a loving epistle of four words from Father. A good letter from Hattie Frey, one from Etta Snay, one from Emma Daum, one from Mary and another from Mame Hillman⁴¹ all came today. I fear the next mail will not be so big, yet I am happily surprised every mail day.

Let me entreat you mother dear, not to tear my letters to pieces and put together for print. That is how so many misunderstandings arise. Take a paragraph out of its connections and put it in another place and it may mean an entirely different thing. I beg of you not to do it. You may know when I write about everything and anything I am writing to the family and not to the public. You can easily tell when a letter is proper for print. I write you or father a letter which might be printed with one or two omissions on an average once a month and that is much too often. They will soon get tired of me and laugh about them appearing so often. I wrote about the eclipse some time ago which, I thought if you liked could be printed and a letter to father about my walk outside the city which I wrote with a thought of the “cold printer’s ink.”⁴² I don’t know what more to say to make you understand me fully. When you cut and arrange my letters, change the rhetoric and correct all mistakes it is no longer mine but yours. If a letter is long you can omit personal things here and there but don’t mix several things out of as many letters together. If there are any special things you want me to write about, tell me and I’ll do what I can. I feel badly that you care for none of my letters except those with which you can show me off, as it were. I am only an ordinary missionary even if I am your daughter. I would like to see a few of my words which you say people like to read. I get bundles of interesting papers but strange enough, there is never one of my epistles in them. I know you mean well, and you know well that I like to be appreciated, but to be paraded and shown off is so contrary to my feelings. I am writing this lengthy explanation so I won’t have to take up space in another letter. Whatever you do with them don’t try to keep it from me. On the Page 69 →last mail, Grant’s long looked for letter came. You kept it from me simply that I might not know you were publishing my home letters. This is a small world after all, I had not been in Seoul a month until from four sources I learned my ship board letters were in the people’s hands. Put yourself in my place and you will know how I feel. I think you know me well enough to understand me.

You ask about Mrs. Scranton. She is a most lovely, refined New England woman. Her son & wife, Mr. Appenzeller and wife were the first missionaries sent out here in our mission 8 years ago. She accompanied her son, as the first one sent out by the Woman’s board. She has started everything. Miss Rothweiler came out three years after.

My friend Mrs. Swallen, as I wrote you is now in Won San on the coast. I miss her very much. She and her husband are very happy and apparently well mated.

Who is Gen. Kennedy⁴³ to marry?—What a surprise it was to me!

I know you will excuse another short letter. I ought to write the letter to the missionary society, but I feel so badly it is all I can do to write this. I managed to teach an hour in school but that is about all I’ve done today. Spring is always hard on me, and then I presume I am becoming acclimated. The heat of the sun is different, altho’ the thermometer does not go up much higher than it does at home.

I read such a true book on Korea by Gilmore⁴⁴ who was one of the Gov. teachers a few years ago. He says it is here in climate much like Richmond, Va. Clara’s letter did not come—I will try to get the letter written to her in a few days, ready for the next steamer. I hope it will reach in time for the Korean meeting.

Yes, I think it is important to use the schedule. I do not believe you quite know how to use it for Miss Paine’s mother’s letters are always a week later than yours. The one today was dated April 22. I think you write every week but send it one day too late so it lays over from one steamer to the next in San Francisco.

I will enclose the invitation to the Garden party.⁴⁵ It has been raining and will be very unpleasant if it is like this then.

I hope Nettie is settled and does not find it as unpleasant as was anticipated. How I would like to see the children! Don’t let them forget me.

With Love—

Lulu E. Frey

My Dear Mother:

Another opportunity of writing you a few lines. I told Miss Paine I was going to write and tell you how mean of her to plan to leave me this summer. When my work is over, every day I’m going to spend some time in my hammock with a book, if my hammock comes. I sent to America for one. It was very foolish of me not to bring one. Yesterday was the Garden party at the English Legation. The English, Germans, French, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese, Russians and Koreans were all represented beside a goodly number of Americans.

I remembered that it was Grandma’s birthday too. Can Grandma be seventy-five? I think every mail I will write her a letter again, but it keeps me so busy writing what I call “perfunctory letters.” I send two off this mail to our missionary girls and one to Topeka, Kansas.

Mary writes me Clarabel⁴⁶ goes to Lake-side this summer, what a nice time she will have, I hope she will find time to write me from there. Did she go with Mary last fall? Mary talked of taking Clarabel with her but that was after I left.

I divide my time now between the school room and the strawberry patch. We are having enough for two meals a day and soon can have three a day. Our family is not a small one either. It is nice where there is no market to have a nice garden of our own. When I come home I will have various avocations—Grape vine & fruit tree pruning—gardening—teaching, nursing, undertaking, and bossing of all kinds. I was thinking today what a time our poor servants must have with Mrs. Scranton and six old maids to boss them. They seem to like to stay with us pretty well anyway. I guess we pay better wages perhaps. A Korean gentleman can demand a low man’s services for almost nothing if he chooses. People, that is Koreans, think it wonderful that they are all paid, who serve us. The one who gets the most gets but three dollars (U.S. currency) per month and thinks he is rich, but as I told you before, perhaps—it is some like Cousin Robert Steward said of India, it takes so many to run things for each man has his work.—It isn’t the same exactly for if one man gets rich another will do his work for him, but the natives can’t accomplish as much as an American, and one feels tempted to do the work himself to get it done quickly.

I will send the letter to Carrie Butler since Clara is going away.

Where are the Whitlocks living? Remember me kindly to them.

I want you to pay my missionary dues. I will send you enough money. Don’t despair—I’ve more than enough laid by, in the bank now but I do hate to Page 71 →send it while exchange is so low. It will go up surely before long. It is better for us as it is, for it almost doubles our salaries, but to send home it seems a waste.

Well, it is late so I must say goodnight. Give my love to Nettie & Frank⁴⁷ and all—

Very Lovingly—

Lulu E. Frey.

Dear Mother:

Just a year ago today I left Moody school⁴⁸ and eight months ago I wrote you on this same table having just landed in Korea. This time I am on my way to Japan on a health trip they say. The Dr.’s & the household ruled it, and but three days ago I knew nothing of it. I really don’t want to go for it sort of hurts my pride to have to go away the first summer. Now don’t worry for I’m not sick, only a little tired and you know in the spring one’s appetite is not very good anyway. I am going to Kobe from here. Our steamer leaves Saturday morning. We had quite a time getting down here. The harbor is full of Gun-boats Japanese, Russian, English, Chinese and American. The Marines (Japs.) were using the river boats between here and Seoul and when we went down to the river yesterday we found we could not go by boat. We hired our chair men to take us overland. Miss Paine had 8 men I had six and Miss Arbuckle,⁴⁹ one of the Pres[byterian] Ladies, had four and two ponies carried our trunks. We rode through three heavy showers and passed over a thousand Japanese soldiers on their way to Seoul. No one seems to know what all this means. I fear it means a fight between Japan and China on Korean ground. Both countries want poor little Korea. There is an insurrection among the Korean people against the government and we think the other countries think it a propitious time to take the country. The Am[ericans] and the English are here for our protection I suppose. We do not fear any harm for ourselves, but what to expect we don’t know.

I received two nice long letters from you last Sunday. I was so glad to get them before I started. I fear the others will have to wait my return for I will be going so many places. We expect to be back by the last of July. It is raining very hard today. I fear the rainy season has set in and a sea voyage will not be very pleasant. I’d rather go back to Seoul. But Miss Paine has said from the first talk of my going that she would not go if I did not, so rather than spoil her long talked of vacation and in hopes that I would get strong again, I’ve been coaxed Page 72 →into going. Miss Paine gets off at Fukuoka and I go on to Kobe. I did not get any passport so cannot go into the interior. I will get one in Kobe so I can go different places around about Yokohama.

I will write you from Kobe, write me as usual to Seoul for I will be back by the time they reach Seoul.

I hope you keep well. Hattie Frey wrote me Georgia talked of going there for her vacation trip. I had such a nice letter from her. I wish all my friends who want to hear from me would write and not be offended that I don’t write first. “What is the matter with Dr. Pratt?” How do I know? I presume he is forgetting me as many people will before I return—don’t feel hurt, I don’t. You ask about the things you sent. The shawl has never arrived and I am very sorry. I’ve wanted it so many times. If you had put letter postage on and marked it “letter postage” it would have come safely. It is cheapest in the long run. Don’t trouble about the overdue postage on your letters. I never have to pay on yours.

I’m in hopes Nettie will be better as hot weather comes on. It isn’t probable she will always have to live as she now is. The home people who live in the worst huts live in palaces in comparison to these mud thatched roof huts. Miss Arbuckle says the Presbyterians have cut down the salary of single women $100.—⁵⁰ She wrote the board a long letter in which she told of the different troubles of mission life. She said on their new property where they want a new house, there are several little native houses, but when she thought of living in one she thought of the luxury of her father’s pig pen. She is such a funny girl. She is the one they told me about in Chicago, who was told by Mrs. Capron, Supt. of Moody school, that she wasn’t fit to go as a missionary.⁵¹ I hope I never gave such an impression. I think at heart she is a good girl, but is little understood—but the comparison to her father’s pig pen was a very apt one.

Give my love to all—Will write you as soon as I reach Kobe which will be about a week hence.

L.E.F.

Dear Mother:

On the same mail I presume you will get my letter written from Chemulpo. We decided to come on another steamer. I will stay here two weeks and then go on to Tokyo & Yokohama and other places—will write you of what I see & Page 73 →hear. Don’t be worried about me. I’ll have a good time and go back to work well and strong. Yukiye⁵² is delighted to have me here. Belle Allen has gone to Vladavastalk [sic], Russia for her health. Such a shame she did not stay while in America. Miss Gheer⁵³ of the Nagasaki school leaves today for America on a recruiting tour. She looks very badly. I think the climate of Japan is worse than Korea but you will wonder why I come here, for the change. Write me as usual to Korea—I don’t know how I’ll stand it not to hear from home until I get back to Korea.

Lovingly—

Lulu E. Frey

My Dear Mother,

I think the last letter I wrote was in Nagasaki. I left there in company with Mrs. Van Petten,⁵⁴ took a tea ship and was treated royally. The captain was an Englishman. He gave us his private room with a bath room adjoining so we had a nice sea bath every morning. We intended going to Yokohama from Kobe by train but our captain’s son-in-law was there who was captain of another English tea ship and he persuaded us to go on with him the following morning offering as an inducement to take us free of charge. We knew the sea was cooler and we would reach Yokohama as soon. We had a most delightful time on the way, but I was glad to reach land again. We found Yokohama had been considerably shaken by the earthquake.⁵⁵ Quite a great deal of damage was done all around Tokyo and Yokohama. I found Miss Heaton⁵⁶ in Yokohama and we were so glad to see each other after almost a year’s separation. We left Yokohama for Tokio after being there three days, to attend the Japan Conference. Bishop Nind[e]⁵⁷ is here with his wife and two boys and Mrs. Mary C. Nind,⁵⁸ an old lady of our Missionary Society who is no relation to the Bishop although bearing the same name. Yesterday we enjoyed hearing the Bishop preach. This morning we want to go to the morning session of the Women’s Conference and this afternoon to Tokio. Aoyama is a suburb, Miss Allen’s⁵⁹ home, but as I wrote you she is in Vladavastalk for the summer. Tomorrow we want to start for Nikko, a most beautiful place, they say—we will stay a few days and a few days more in Yokohama and then go on to Nagoya, an inland town where Miss Heaton lives. We will only stay a day there and then go to Kobe and Arima.⁶⁰ Arima is a resort for missionaries—we want to stay a week or ten days and then Page 74 →go on to Nagasaki and by that time we will have out run our time and emptied our pocket books.

I am afraid I will not be able to get the jinricksha off this mail. I hope it won’t be broken on the way. When I reach Korea again I’ll try to give you a description of some of the places I’ve been and the things I’ve seen. Japan is a remarkably beautiful country, but I’m satisfied that I was sent to Korea.

Hope you are all well—It seems so dreadful not to have heard from you for so long and no hope for another month.—Don’t attempt to write me here for we will be in Korea by the middle of August if the war⁶¹ lets us in. I think things must be very serious there altho’ we hear nothing satisfactory—

With love to all—

Lulu E. Frey.

[From Mrs. Scranton.]

My Dear Miss Paine and Miss Frey

These Korean letters must have a little accompanying note from me. Every letter which we receive from you is very interesting to us. We are glad to know that you are having a good time. Don’t let any anxiety about us spoil it. You cannot make one hair white or black. We are in the fray and can’t get out of it. What is coming we do not know, but we do know we are in the hands of a Covenant Keeping God. Some sweet words of Whittier’s⁶² which I learned years ago have been in my mind often of late—suggested probably by the very uncertain state in which we live. They run something like this:

I know not where His islands lift

Their fronded palms in air

I only know I cannot drift

Beyond His love and care—

——

And so beside the silent sea

I wait the muffled oar

No harm from Him can come to me

On ocean or on shore—⁶³

Well—well! I did not sit down to quote poetry to you, but perhaps these words will show you something of the condition of my mind—and I believe everybody Page 75 →feels about as I do. We are not worrying; we are taking up the duties of the day one by one as they come to us, and leaving the things over which we have no control in the hands of Him who can mould everything to suit His own wise purposes.

Unless God interferes—war is surely coming.⁶⁴ We are doing our best to make the ship tight but we are not trusting very much to anything which we can do. The Baltimore is back again, and the Monocacy is also at Chemulpo, but we understand that the captain of the Baltimore is in rather a bad frame of mind. He is evidently if reports are correct very angry at having to come to such an uninteresting place as Chemulpo. He accuses the Americans of having meddled with politics and by so doing brought trouble upon themselves, which shows how much he knows about us anyway. But we must not be too hard on him. Of course the harbors of Yokohama, Kobe and Shanghai are more attractive that anything to be found in our little country and probably he wishes to keep his sword for a nobler fight than the protection of a few missionaries. I think we can get on without him if we must.

Yuen⁶⁵ left Seoul yesterday. Whether he has gone to China or to meet his troops somewhere else we do not know. Nearly all the Chinamen have left the city - Even Steward⁶⁶ and On Cheong have sold out or packed their goods and are about to depart—and Tick Hing has done the same. So you see nothing remains to us now but the tin cans in our store rooms and native food. We are learning to eat our bread without butter, and to get along with very little meat. The Japanese man from whom we have had our meat so long, has been obliged to give up his foreign customers and devote himself to supplying the Japanese Soldiery. We don’t mind it much for the weather is so hot we do not care for meat in large quantities.

Of course it will not be wise for you to think of returning until affairs are in altogether a different state. I don’t know as you could come if you tried, but you had better not make the attempt. The Doctor⁶⁷ is going to write the Bishop asking him if it will be possible to come to Korea after having attended the China Conferences. We feel as if we could not give up the Bishop’s visit, but it now appears as if it would be impossible for him to come next month. The Headlands⁶⁸ were advised to go back to Chemulpo two days ago and acted accordingly.

About 30 English troops are at the Legation—expected ours to be up around this time, but whether we shall have any at all we do not now know.⁶⁹ The Waebers⁷⁰ have returned—perhaps I have told you this before however.

I wish I had a list of your personal effects which you have left in Seoul. We Page 76 →are all making out quite full statements in regard to our own things and also mission property. We mean to get ready for all sorts of emergencies——. We are all well——. Hope you are——. If you are obliged to stay long in Japan I shall wish we could send your teacher to you. What a nice time you could have for study——.

With lots of love, Yours as Ever

Sincerely M. F. Scranton

Dear Home People:

I hope you have read my letter to Mary telling her something about Nikko. We left there a week ago tomorrow, went to Yokohama, and Tokio, Nagoya and then came here. This is a summer resort for foreigners up among the mountains. It is not so high nor so beautiful as Nikko but is very pleasant and cool. Missionaries are here from China and all parts of Japan and three of us from Korea. We feel almost like refugees for the reports of the coming war are so discouraging. We fear we will not get back for some time yet. It is very nice to be visiting, but to feel one is in exile is not so pleasant. We are stopping not in a hotel this time, but in a cottage with Mr. and Mrs. Spencer⁷¹ and several of our special girlfriends, which of course makes it quite delightful. We have concluded to make ourselves contented for several weeks. Today we telegraphed to Korea if it was impossible for us to return soon to forward our mail. I am so anxious to get my home letters. The thought often frightens me that you might all be dead, it seems so long since I’ve heard a word. I wish when you answer this you would one of you write me to Nagasaki, Japan in care of the M.E.⁷² Girls School and some other one to write to Seoul if I am still in Japan I will receive it & if in Seoul the one sent here will be forwarded.

Our cottage is built Japanese style—just the architecture for a summer house. Yesterday was Sunday and we had a very spiritual morning service. The little church was quite full of foreigners. Two attracted my attention greatly. They were gentlemen of the China Inland Mission. They live like the people and dress like them; think of seeing two foreign men with hair as light as mine with pig tails hanging down to their heels! I don’t believe it is necessary to either foreignize the people, or to be foreignized oneself in order to Christianize. I have my opinions, you see, if I have been out only a year.

Bishop Ninde & family have given up going to Korea. It looks as if the war Page 77 →would keep us from having any Conference this fall. We could not well plan anything while things are in so unsettled a state.

This letter I’ll address to Father. I sent Mother a postal from Nagoya. I know she likes them better than father does. The mail leaves tonight so excuse the brevity of this communication.

Give my love to all—This is for the family as you see it headed to all.

Very lovingly,

Lulu E. Frey

My Dear Mother:

I wrote a short letter to Father just after my arrival here. As yet we do not know when we will get back to Korea. A letter came from the Bishop this morning, he too is very uncertain about going to Korea. We are quite ready to return, but we do not see our way clear, as the actual hostilities have not yet begun but the Japanese and Chinese troops are over there by the thousands and provisions are getting very scarce. The Chinese stores, which we depended entirely upon when our own store rooms are empty, have “pulled up stakes” and gone back to China. Our people are living on the garden so if we go back now we will be two more to feed. Mr. Sill, our U.S. Minister, advised Miss Arbuckle, who is here also, not to come back for the present. We are very comfortably situated here with Mr. and Mrs. Spencer and our girlfriends and our expenses can’t be much more than it is now in Korea when butter is 1.10 yen per lb. It is delightfully cool here. We go once a day if well enough to the mineral spring where waters are “the panacea for all ills”—the parts are iron, sulphur and soda. Last evening we went to the hot springs for a sulphur bath. I never in all my life enjoyed such a bath. We are going every night. If two go in together it costs only 5 sen (2.5 cents) I think I will be much better if I can take them for a while. There are several nice waterfalls nearby which supply us with good drinking water and are very beautiful. I have three views of Arima, the spring, the baths, and the waterfalls. Don’t you think we ought to be content? Miss Paine is very anxious to get back and I would be more so if I was real well but I don’t feel that I could be much help feeling as I do now. When it gets cooler I know I will be all right again.

I wrote you in a card that Belle Allen had no appointment this year and would probably go home. If I can I will send you a package by her. I can’t Page 78 →burden her with much that is bulky, but some silk I can send. I wish it were possible to send you some dishes like Miss Paine and I bought when in Nagoya. We got over 50 of the most beautiful dishes of all kinds, tea cups, fruit plates, salad bowls, pitchers etc. etc. for about 14 yen, not more than $8 in gold. When I come home I’ll try to bring you some.

Have just received a letter from Mrs. M. F. Scranton. She says the war is inevitable and we must not attempt to go back at present. I am a little worried about my heavy clothes. I brought but one heavy dress but one is not out of the world in Japan. Here, every city of any size have English stores in them which furnish us with English goods which is as good and cheaper than American. Of course, one has not the amount to pick from that we have at home, but we are glad to have as much as we have. You have no idea the advancement Japan has made in the last 30 years. Cars to take one anywhere they want to go, almost, telegraph lines running everywhere, water works in every city, street cars in Tokio, European accommodations almost every place and so many English speaking natives that one has no trouble whatever traveling without any knowledge of the Japanese language.

As far as the country is concerned, this is a good place to stay, and if we find we are obliged to stay any great length of time we’ll probably go to work somewhere, although my heart is with the Korean people now. The way before me looks very gloomy and uncertain, but I can’t help but feel whatever may be my inclinations that it is best we are here in Japan. We can only leave ourselves and our interests in God’s hands.

I feel so strange writing and writing to you and not hearing a word from home. The last letters from you were written May 3 and May the 7th, gotten just 2 days before I left Korea. They were fortunately 2 of the best letters you ever wrote me, but I want some later ones now. Just think of it, when I used to feel dreadfully if a week passed without a home letter. Did I tell you our cablegram was sent back to us, the wires were down from Fusan,⁷³ so we will have to wait now until our letter reaches Korea and they can send our mail to us. I suggested in my letter to Father, that you write me two letters one to Nagasaki and one to Seoul so if I am one place or another I will get a letter. Write me to Nagasaki, until I tell you what to do further. Letters can easily be forwarded from there to anyplace I may be, either in Japan or Korea. You cannot know how anxious I am to know how you all are.

The letter just received from Mrs. M.F.⁷⁴—Miss Paine is about to enclose to her mother who will after reading send it on to you. It will give you some idea of how things are. Miss Paine and I think our mothers will be rejoicing to know Page 79 →we are in Japan, out of the trouble. I wrote Mary a letter from Nikko, if she has not answered it as I presume she has not, have her address me at Nagasaki, in care of M. E. Girls School, and any others who may be writing me.

Well, I must close and write Mrs. Cowen⁷⁵ a letter for this mail.

Love to all—Don’t forget me in my exile between my two homes.

Very lovingly Your daughter

Lulu E. Frey.

Dear Mother:

I take the opportunity of sending mail on another steamer. I have not much news to tell, excepting that on the 25th war was formally declared and in a few hours an attack was made on the Chinese by the Japs, a man-of-war sunk with 1500 on board.⁷⁶ This happened at Asan about 75 miles from Seoul. We also heard that a battle had been fought in Seoul but we do not credit the rumor very much. We will probably know more tomorrow and I will write you again and it may be it will catch the Empress on the Canadian line. I feel that you are as interested as we are to know the truth of it all. You cannot put great confidence in the American paper reports.

I am taking a hot sulphur bath every day. I enjoy them so much and begin to feel so much better. We will probably be here a month longer and then go to Nagasaki and bide our time. All may work well and we can go back soon, but God only knows, it looks dark enough now. We are with kind friends and have enough money to pay all our expenses and not be a burden to anyone that way.

Miss Paine sends love and says to tell you she is trying to take care of me, and she does. She is so good to me. We are so thankful to be together now we are stranded between our two homes. If we are obliged to stay we will probably do some teaching in Nagasaki. We shall feel so much better doing something than to have to think we are cut off all the time, but when fall comes that will be settled. Another of my college friends, Lola Kidwell, comes out this fall and is appointed to the Nagasaki School. I shall be so glad to see her when she comes. Yukiye is teaching Art there and is doing very good work, seems as fond of me as ever but still has her old fault of prevaricating.

I hope you will send me some late papers when you write me at Nagasaki, not such a quantity but a few of the late ones. I feel that things must have made a big stride since I heard last, it has been so long.

Page 80 →Well, Miss Paine is in bed and I must get there too. I hope Nettie is well this summer. I’ve not heard from her since she moved into the country. I’m anxious to know what business father has gone into for I’ve not heard that. You said in your letter of May 7th—“I will tell you in my next letter what your father thinks he will do.” I find there are three routes which take letters back and forth and if you get these letters a few days apart it is because they have gone on the different lines—San Francisco, Tacoma (Washington) and Vancouver.

Hope you, Georgia, Father and the children all keep well. How is Grandma? I am going to write her soon. Give her my love.

Well Goodnight—You will soon get up for breakfast. I like to think of what you are all doing—

I am very lovingly Yours,

Lulu E. Frey.

My Dear Mother:

I think this is the tenth letter I’ve written home since I left Korea. It is about the most trying thing I ever had to endure in all my life, but I comfort myself with the thought of the good time I’ll have reading my accumulated mail. Do you remember the basket full of papers etc. we got after our summer away Centennial year?⁷⁷ I imagine something like that, for it may be some time yet before we get it. The boats do not carry passengers to Korea now and only one regular one is coming now. We tried having the mail detained in Kobe, but being addressed to Korea, it must go on. Miss Paine went down to Kobe a few days ago and saw the officers of the “Higo Maru” and asked one of them to take a note to Mr. Jones in Chemulpo asking him to send a courier up to Seoul to fetch our mail to Chemulpo and this accommodating officer of the Higo agreed to bring it himself back to Kobe. But I must add to this that it is doubtful if the Higo can go any farther than Fusan. The last trip she took she went very cautiously without any light by night for fear of being captured. These ships belong to [a] Japanese company therefore any one of them is liable to be fired upon by the Chinese. If I am able to get a paper with a comprehensive and truthful digest of the trouble, I’ll send it to you.

We had a very comfortable feeling to say the least when we received a letter from Miss Rothweiler a few days since. She says they are safe so far, had stocked up the store room since we left before the departure of the Chinese Page 81 →storekeepers. We were afraid they were suffering. They do have to do without butter and fresh meat but as long as there are plenty of vegetables, fruit & canned meat they can get along well. Sixteen of our girls have gone into the country with their parents. Our compound is filled with refugees and our ladies have taken into the school many women & children. It looks now as if the war would be a slow one. We have no idea when we can go back to our work. Perhaps not all winter, but we are only looking to the present and hope affairs will take a hopeful turn before long.

This week we are having an interesting Christian Conference of the mission workers of China and Japan. Our Bishop Ninde is here now. He came yesterday and will spend a few days with us. He is a very sweet spirited man. We were charmed with Bishop Galloway,⁷⁸ he is so witty and so broad in his ideas we were not impressed that he was a southerner but felt he belonged to us, if all were like him there would be no division in our home church.⁷⁹

We have a jolly time together, six of us beside Mr. & Mrs. Spencer and the children. We presented Mrs. S with a lovely set of chimes (bells) the other day and had a lengthy poem full of nonsense which all together had written. The days go so quickly and I get nothing done, not even reading and very little letter writing.

Belle Allen has not yet returned from Vladavostock, in fact I doubt if under the circumstances she gets out of there, for the boats are afraid to go, the naval fight was so frightful. I am undecided what to do. If I were sure she would go home soon I’d try to get a few things I want to send you.⁸⁰ We think we will go to Nagasaki next week or the week after and perhaps will meet her there if she is fortunate to get a ship. Don’t bother about my whereabouts if you write me either to the M.E. Girls School, Nagasaki, or to 221 Bluff Yokohama I will get them in good time wherever I am.

I will enclose this last letter from Miss Rothweiler and you can read it and forward to Mrs. Paine. I know you are anxious for authentic news. I hope you are having a restful summer, whether at home or away. I’d like to sleep in my own bed one more night. The Japanese hotels do not furnish the most comfortable foreign beds, but taken on the whole traveling in Japan is quite pleasant and quite reasonable too.

You can’t imagine how I long for a home letter to know how Grandma, Nettie, Frank and the children and all of you are. I wrote Georgia the last letter. The conference had pictures taken a few days ago. I will send you one when I get them. The Japanese take pictures so much cheaper than we do at home. The three which I sent you of Arima spring, bath and waterfall, mounted as they Page 82 →are, cost me only about 3 cents. So don’t think me extravagant in sending you pictures, I only hope you will enjoy looking at them as much as I do sending them.

Now, I know you are writing me right along, appreciating my circumstances here, and every mail that comes in I think is one less until I hear from you. You must have gotten my first letter written in Arima, now. Hope you are all well—I am feeling better now excepting a stiff neck which I got in church this morning.⁸¹

Lovingly,

Lulu.

My Dear Mother

I wrote you a card in Kobe but in my shopping I lost it. You may get it—however this letter will leave here on the boat I wrote the Postal for, because the “Peru” has been in quarantine. This side of the world is quite upset by the war and the plague.⁸² Distressing news comes to us from Korea of the dearth of things to eat. I’m afraid if our people stay much longer they will be forced to leave or starve. A very pitiful letter came to me here from Mrs. Swallen. So the trouble is not only in Seoul but in every part of Korea. We arrived here only this morning from Kobe. We expect to stay here some time for it is impossible to go back to our work now. We came up from Kobe on a German vessel, a most beautiful boat and had a delightful time with the passengers. One young man who has been the king’s Electrician in Korea for you know the palace is lighted by electricity, was on board and he gave us a good idea of the true condition of affairs. The Japanese hold the city and the Chinese are rapidly sending more troops to Korea. The Chinese are slow but persistent. They are not a drilled army but in number they are at least 10 to 1 of the Japs. When and how all will end no one can predict. Our vessel was stopped mid-ocean yesterday by an English man-of-war who took the mail on to Korea. We had an opportunity of sending a letter direct. When we arrived here our mail had been brought over by same ship and our Nagasaki friends knowing how we wanted our home letters forwarded to Kobe but we must have left just before they came, so we have a few more days to wait. Such is life. We have very much to be thankful for. We are neither friendless or penniless so we have only to wait as contentedly as Page 83 →possible. Yukiye is glad to have me back here. Mrs. Van Petten, Miss Paine and I are going for a sea bath this afternoon. We did so dislike to leave the Sulphur baths in Arima but we thought this was the best place for us at the present. It was more expensive there than here with not half the home comforts we have here.

Have heard nothing of Miss Allen. I just asked Mrs. Van Petten after I wrote the above. She says Miss Allen and Miss Simons⁸³ are still in Vladavastock running the risk of coming over on a later boat. So I shall probably see her. She is very much better they say. The next time I write I hope to answer all the letters you have written me for some time.

Love to all—

Lulu E. Frey

My Dear Mother:⁸⁴

We have been so sorely tried about getting our home mail that I must tell you about it. When we found it quite impossible to return we wrote them to send us our letters, but being impatient we decided to cable gram so we might receive them when the next vessel came in, but you know I told you how the wires were down and the messages went no farther than Fusan, the southern part of Korea. Miss Paine went to Kobe, from Arima when we were there, the day the boat was in from Korea and made arrangements for the 1st officer to bring us our mail on his return trip. We suddenly decided to leave Arima and were quite particular that we might reach Nagasaki before the Higo came over from Korea. When we reached here the ladies said “Did you get your mail in Kobe as you came through?” They had sent our package of mail which the Korean folk had forwarded in answer to our letter written in Arima. Miss French, knowing how anxious we were for the letters, forwarded them to Kobe expecting them to reach us since we intended staying there several days, but we just missed them. We immediately telegraphed to the boarding house landlady to forward mail to Nagasaki. We were still on the look out for the Higo thinking it might bring us another package of later news. Saturday afternoon as we were going down the bay to have a sea bath she came in. We were rejoiced and intended going on board and seeing the officers but alas to our great astonishment she whistled Page 84 →and moved out before we returned not staying in port more than a half hour. The boats lie in the harbor at least a day, usually. We telegraphed to Moji, the first stopping place, for the officer to send the letters back to Nagasaki. In reply, one letter came from Mrs. Jones of Chemulpo, saying they had sent word to Seoul, but that the boat instead of going out at 4 PM as they said they would went at 4 AM and our letters had not come in time. Well—in a few days we received the package sent back to us from Kobe in which were four from you written in May & June, one from father, one from Georgia, one from Nettie, and one from Lida, beside several from my girl friends. How we did devour them all, & have read and reread.

A few days ago we received a couple of letters from Mrs. Scranton. She had in reply to Mr. Jones’ letter sent us our second package of home mail but where they have gone we do not know. We anxiously watch for every visit of the postman, but each time we are doomed to disappointment. Mrs. Scranton, knowing how much we want to get home again wrote to Mr. Sill, asking if we might come back. He said it would be very difficult for us to return, but if we did he would protect us as he was the other Americans. We are thinking seriously of going as soon as we can find a safe vessel. We do not think it safe to sail under the Japanese flag. There may be a German or a Russian vessel before long—we have some sewing we want done here for our Chinese tailors have all left Seoul, and we will be unable to get anything done there.

Nagasaki is a nice place to be hedged in, but school is going to open soon and we feel we should be there. I hope before I leave Belle Allen will come back so I can see her. I’ll be glad too if Miss Kidwell who was a Delaware friend of mine arrives before I leave. She is to teach in Kuwassui, our girls school, where we are now stopping.

Aug. 28th—I don’t know as I’ve anything special to tell you. A vessel goes today to Korea, sailing under the German flag but we can’t well go today. If one goes in two weeks that will be a good time to leave here as we will have made all our purchases and will be packed, ready to go.

You have been worried over newspaper reports I know–I beg of you once again—put no faith in them unless you are sure they are true. They sound so ridiculous to us, but we have always known that reporters are better paid for lies, if they make the article more startling. When we go back we do not anticipate any harm for ourselves—don’t worry, as you say I am in God’s hands—

With love—

Lulu.

My Dear Father:

Just a year ago, I was in Chicago on my way to San Francisco. It has been a short and a happy year, yet not without its cares.—I left Korea in the Spring by the Doctor’s orders, on such short notice, that it took me some time to realize I was in Japan, and by the time I fully realized it, I found myself shut out of Korea indefinitely. I’ve had some very home-sick times of late, but I’m glad to say only home-sick for Korea. The war will probably be a long one and our American Minister reluctantly gave Miss Paine and I permission to return if we could find passage on a safe vessel. A German freight boat came in port and we engaged passage on it. They promised to stop at no ports on the way expecting to reach Chemulpo in two days and we thought we could stand the discomforts for so short a time as that.

We bought 4 bags of flour, one bag ($164) of sugar, 10 lbs. of butter, and 10 tins of dried beef, and had it put on board to take, as the Chinese store-keepers, whom we depend on for almost all we buy there, have gone back to China. At the last moment word came to Bishop Ninde to do all in his power to keep us in Japan. Very much disappointed but quite confident that this had been a Providential interference, we settled down once more to stay indefinitely. The Capt. of the “Chow-Chow-Foo”⁸⁵ kindly took our stores over to our friends free of charge and the agents refunded our passage money. The next day letters came saying since all was quiet and probably would be for some time we might return on the German vessel. So now we anxiously await the time for her next trip which will be in two weeks.

You want to know about the war? If you find anything about it in the Am. papers the reports must be very confusing, and I, even, haven’t told you much for reliable reports are very scarce, however in Japan we know more about it than our friends in Korea, for Japan has quite a number of English papers beside many printed in Japanese while in Korea they have only one way of circulating news: that is, from mouth to mouth.

For several years there has been a party, called the “Tong Hak.”⁸⁶ They believed the foreigners and especially the missionaries were accountable for their oppression, and have time and again threated trouble if we did not all leave. This Spring they directed their threats toward the government. Their troops were gathered together in one of the southern provinces, and the King prepared his forces. They had one or two so-called battles, when the King Page 86 →became frightened & sent to China for reinforcements. According to the treaty between Japan & China, China was bound to inform Japan that she was sending troops into Korea. This however she did not do until her troops had started. Japan was so angered by this that she immediately sent 5000 of her standing army and several men of war. She pretended these were to protect her 2000 citizens living in Korea, but it is a well-known fact that Japan has been standing many years with a “chip on her shoulder,” ready to fight with China on the first provocation. Both countries have had an eye on poor little Korea for a long time and we predict that it will be a long time before it is settled. In a few weeks after entering the country there was a formal declaration of war between the two countries and on the same day a naval fight, with a loss of a Chinese transport with several thousand Chinese troops on board, and another vessel captured and many of the Chinese taken prisoners, who were most brutally treated. At the entrance of these stronger powers the Koreans seemed paralyzed and the insurrection was at an end. The victories have all been the Japanese’ unless the last few days have brought some to the Chinese. Japan’s army is well equipped and well disciplined, while the Chinese triple the Japanese in numbers, they are crippled because poorly drilled. It is laughingly said of the Chinese soldiers that they are armed with an umbrella & a fan, which are always in the hands of a Chinaman. While of course this is not true, it is true that the Chinese soldiers are men picked from the streets. Japan drafts her best men and many of our schools are robbed of their teachers because of it. England & Russia are waiting ready to step in with their armies at the opportune moment willing to fight for their share in the spoils. Russia wants the northern port Won San and as much more as she can get, but this port she greatly desires for one terminus of the Russian railroad, which is being built. What part in the struggle either country will take we do not yet know, and what the end of all the trouble will be, no one dares even prophesy, for so many powers are complicated.

The capital is held by the Japanese now and as you know is a walled city strongly fortified. Japan will probably hold it without any trouble for some time unless some other power comes to China’s aid. China moves slowly and surely. We all think she will not easily give up, but will make serious trouble for Japan yet. My sympathies are with Japan. No doubt she is looking for increased wealth and honor for herself, but she will do well for Korea. She is progressive. The advancement she has made in the past 40 years has been marvelous and she is not standing still now. I notice and appreciate the electric lights, the water works, railroads, hotels and many of the other signs of advancement toward Western ideas, the more because I have just come from a place where Page 87 →every night the city lies in total darkness, where there is no city system of sewage, much less water works, where railroads and hotels are unheard of things. We hope and expect that if Japan wins, these advantages may be ours in Korea under their new government. I wish I might give you a better idea of the situation of affairs at present, but now you know the beginning of it, I’ll try to keep you posted as to the progress of the war.

As I said in the beginning of my letter we expect to return to Seoul in about two weeks, but do not be troubled for we will be protected. Our American Minister Mr. Sill is a splendid man; we are very proud of him and have great confidence in his judgment and ability. My work has become a part of me and I feel if it is possible I must go back. You will be anxious to hear from me I know, and I will write every opportunity. I beg of you once again not to believe all the foreign telegrams you read. Not one missionary has lost his life, nor has any been in great peril.

I am very thankful you all keep well and glad too that I can write you. I am in such good health again. I feel as if I had stored away enough energy to do a long winter of hard work.

Remember me to all who kindly inquire for me and wish me well.

With love to all the family especially for your own dear self,

I am Your daughter

Lulu E. Frey.

My Dear Mother:

Your letters written the 7th and 16th of July reached me yesterday, Miss Paine and I saw a steamer coming into the harbor and to our delight found it was the Higo just back from Korea. We hastened to the wharf, took a little boat out and boarded the vessel to inquire of the officers the news. To our amazement four of our friends were aboard. They came away for the rest and to buy provisions to take back with them. They expect to return on the same boat in about ten days and we hope to go with them. The “Chow Chow Foo” which I spoke to you of will not go for 18 days more after the “Higo” so we will run the risk of being taken captive with the others.

Dear me—I wish I could see you for you had such a weary tone to your letter. I’ve told myself that you have had a hundred moods since that was written. Page 88 →As for Georgia—don’t you well remember how many years it was before you thought there was anything hopeful in me? How I used to cry because I thought you didn’t appreciate me. I think Georgia only wants some encouragement. We will try to make her think she is going to be something. I always thought she would after she gets over her awkward “harem skarem” age she would develop into a strong woman. I’m so sorry Lida Humphrey is so sick. I can’t realize it [may] be fatal even before this. She was always so good to me and the others too. Give them all my love. Miss Lansing, who is a Moody School friend of mine, is here now teaching in the Dutch Reform Church girls’ school. I think I told you she had gone to China for her health but now she is back much better they think. We are going over there to dinner tonight.

I was very much surprised at the news of Miss Powell’s wedding, also Mr. Cassidy and Miss Howell which Etta Snay wrote me of. These will make changes in the school. The papers have accumulated in Seoul & won’t I have a good time reading when I go back, if I find time?

I’m so sorry about Georgia’s dress. I sent it most to see if it would reach you for the value was so little that it mattered not if it were lost. You ask the price, I got a bolt 24 yards for 2 yen, about 4.5 cents a yard. I have a wrapper like it. It shrunk terribly, so I’ll send some more when I get back to Korea. I thought I had sent a big pattern. I have bought a pretty silk dress for her of eight yards. I find that 3.5 yards will make me a silk waist, so I judged 3 yards would make Geo. one and surely five yards will make the skirt. I can send back to Japan for more if you find it not enough. The dress I send to you has 15 yards in it. I hope you will find that’s enough. These and other few things I hope to send by Belle Allen when she goes. I feel they cost too much to risk the mail. You need not tell Georgia the white is so cheap, she will enjoy it as well. I feel very badly that you have been cheated out of your summer outing because I did not send you the money, I thought now you would rather have these pretty silks and the money will come later. If I had not come to Japan I would have sent you money before this so you & Georgia could have gone. I did not mean to be selfish and as I’ve said before would not have gone if all had not urged it so strongly. I feel it is best however, for I feel quite another person. I have tried to remember all in the package I will send you and will make out a list stating for whom they are. Please do not say anything about it yet, I mean them for Christmas presents but if they reach you earlier do as you think best about keeping them until then.

Upon reading your letters over once again I see it is the fear of civil war which worries you. I do hope our Christian country may be spared; that is only to be expected, I hope, between heathen peoples. How dreadful war is! I’ve Page 89 →written father a letter concerning our war. I fear he will want to publish it and it is not worthy of it for I am so ill versed in political affairs altho’ I am intensely interested. Please keep me posted as to the state of affairs at home and I’ll try to do so out here.

I am so glad Nettie is to have a new house. She sent me a plan of the old one and I enjoyed it so much. I am going to answer both her letter and Lida’s as soon as I reach Korea again. Then I’ll have to cut you short perhaps. Whenever anything happens to me vitally I somehow must write it to you, that is why during these weeks of suspense and waiting I address all to my mother but of course Nettie and Father reads them too.

I presume Mary is too busy with that new baby to write to me. Please tell her I don’t’ object to a short note. I was very much disappointed when I opened the invitation to Alumni, for I thought it was a letter from her, it was addressed in her handwriting.

I do wish you would have your picture taken to send me. I should have made the effort to have had it done before I left. I just paused in my writing to ask Josephine if she loved me, wouldn’t it have sounded natural to you. I call her Josephine because I like it so much better than Josie, it suits her better, for she is large. She always writes her name Josephine. We have been glad more than once we have been stranded together.

We will send some papers to America today. The ones I send you, you can forward after reading to Mrs. Paine and she will send you the ones she receives. You may enjoy them altho’ there is very little satisfactory news in them.

Very lovingly——

Lulu E. Frey.

Dear Mother:

I’m glad to write once more at the head of my letters “Seoul.” We were unable to get a river boat so we came up in chairs. We felt a little timid about coming alone, Miss Paine, Arbuckle and myself, but the gentlemen and their wives were not able to come so soon. We left Chemulpo at 2 o’clock arriving here at 10 o’clock—did not even stop to eat the lunch we had prepared. We were so afraid we would be stopped by the Japanese guards along the way but they only looked at us and we went on. We passed a large number of troops who stopped when they reached the “half way house” (as we call the Korean Inn, Page 90 →about half the distance from Seoul to Chemulpo). Then we thought of the river, would we be able to get across but when we reached there we were able to get a boat to ferry us over without any trouble. Our next fear was the gates of Seoul. What would we do if they were closed for we would [be] two hours late. If we had had John,⁸⁷ he could scale the wall & bring us ropes to get us over, but we were obliged to leave him in charge of our baggage and bring it up in a boat. Our fears were useless for when we reached the gate we found it wide open to welcome us. The watchman (Japanese) only opened his sleepy eyes enough to see we were not Chinese and we passed on unmolested.

Our house was dark but we could hear the music from the Library building where the Seoul Union was having an evening entertainment assisted by the English and American soldiers. I said as we came through the big city gate so safely and heard the singing, “Is this the danger we have stayed in Japan for two months to avoid?” We are glad we are home I assure you. I will enclose you a program of the entertainment given the foreigners in the legation grounds the evening after we returned. Last night we were out to the meeting of the Christian Literary Society. A paper was read by Mr. McKenzie,⁸⁸ a Canadian Presbyterian who is a self-supporting missionary. His subject was “My impressions for the first four months in Korea,” followed by discussions or rather by experiences of others. It was very enjoyable. So you see all goes on notwithstanding rumors of war. Until the capital is attacked we are safe and that will probably not be soon; the Chinese move slowly.

I find myself up to my ears (as that expression goes) in work. Miss Paine and I have full charge of the school which does not mean the teaching only.⁸⁹ I have the clothes to see to, see that they are washed and mended as well as new ones made. It looks as if war would not interfere with the number of our school as I had feared. Almost every girl who left in the summer has returned and several new ones. Don’t worry about me I feel very secure now, and no doubt will be all right all winter. Your letters of Aug. 3rd also one dated Sept 16th received. The last one was too late a date to be believed as I was reading it on Sept. 22. I like late news but don’t date ahead. Of course I knew you meant Aug. 16. Don’t worry if the letters come irregularly. It is difficult to get there. You might send this letter to grandma—I’ll write her as soon as I get my work arranged so I can have time to write.

Lovingly,

Lulu.

Dear Mother:

I’ve felt like writing you a letter all day long, but as is often the cases I have not had the time, since I arose this morning, I’ve not rested a minute except the time I ate my breakfast and dinner and have only gotten in about an hour, with my teacher, of study. This is Monday—it seems very natural for me to be writing to you on Monday. I wish you could get the letter tomorrow as you would if I were in Delaware,⁹⁰ then I could expect an answer Saturday.

Last Saturday Miss Paine and I went over to Chingo-ki⁹¹ to the Post Office to mail some letters and buy a money order. The P[ost] M[aster] always invites us in. As we sat there Miss Paine spied 2 letters in our cubby hole and one was for her and one was for me. They had come over on a soldier transport I presume. Mine was from you forwarded from Yokohama. I read it and reread it. I could not imagine what the samples were—I said surely not Georgia’s for Mother hates to see her dressed in blue. She looks better in red or green. I was so sorry when I read the clipping enclosed, the one of Mr. Albritton’s⁹² trouble. The other was about the war. Dear me, what lies they do tell in the papers at home. At present the Japanese hold the capital and Ping An.⁹³ The Chinese are driven north. What the next move will be we do not know. The report of 4000 loss for the Japanese is untrue. The Japs seem to be preparing to attack the city of Peking. If they are successful in taking it they will then have the Chinese pretty well under their thumb. We feel no fear. We really are more afraid of the “Tong Haks”—(The Korean insurrectionists). They are quiet now but are supposed to be massing—ready for an attack on the foreign population, from whom they suppose much of their oppression has come. They include the Japanese in the list—in fact are most bitter toward them and seem to like Americans the best.

We are having our coal balls made now. It looks as if with what we have now and what we had left from last Spring that we will have quite enough fuel after we buy a little wood to last us all winter.

Did I tell you we had moved our quarters into Mrs. Scranton’s old rooms where we are very comfortably fixed with two large closets & a nice bathroom quite as large if not larger than ours at home. Our study is about the same size as we had on the other side of the house.

I found my clothes in a much better condition after I came back than I anticipated. My gloves however were quite badly ruined, I hated to wear them Page 92 →but since everyone wears that kind, it is some comfort but I wish you would send me a pretty light tan to wear for evening this winter. I think they will come safely in a newspaper.—Buy them of Mr. Butler and have him send them—he knows how to send them as “samples.” It is a perfectly legitimate way. I have received all your letters, I think some have followed me many miles, but not entirely lost. I found a great abundance of home papers which I have enjoyed reading immensely. I think the one Father spoke of sending me with one of my letters in it he had quite forgotten to send.

Well we must send this to the P.O. before dark so I must say goodbye to you. You have told me nothing of Lida Humphrey’s death. I am very sad to hear of it. I only surmised it from a remark in the letter you forwarded me of Grandma’s. Yes—I shall write Grandma as soon as I have a chance. When school is opened longer, things may be arranged so that I’ll have more time—besides I’m house keeper now and the cook takes a good deal of my time.

Goodbye once again—much love and a kiss for all—-

Lovingly, Lulu.

Ask Mary if she received the throw I sent her and the tie I sent for Clara before I went to Japan.

Dear Father:

One year ago tomorrow morning I arrived in Chemulpo for the first time. The three months I spent this summer in Japan seemed longer to me than all the other months. I have been back from Japan three weeks. Nothing here reminds one of war, excepting the soldiers and sailors at the Legations. They seem to be enjoying themselves and I’m sure they add to our pleasure. We attended an entertainment given by the Russian soldiers last evening. They are stalwart fellows with splendid voices. We couldn’t understand a word of course, but we enjoyed it all never the less. The English and American soldiers have also entertained the foreign community. Aside from the sight of the red & blue coats we see nothing warlike.

The Japanese are deserving of great praise and those who have been so against them must acknowledge the competence they have shown in their preparation for war and the carrying out of their plans. At first the Koreans were very bitter toward them, taking sides with the Chinese. Many of them were forced by the Chinese into their army but they did not beg to go into the Page 93 →front ranks as I read in one of the clippings you sent me. They are too cowardly for that. They simply obey the Chinese as a son would a father. They say, “Even though a father should wrong a son, can the son do anything?” I think many are coming to believe more in the Japanese. They have brought very much with them, but what they have gotten of the natives has been well paid for, which cannot be said of our neighbors on the North. Where their army has passed the country is as if it had been cleared by locusts. Nothing was paid for, and it is said the frightened people fled from their houses to come back and find them empty. Even the unripened rice was torn up by the roots. Why the Chinese have used this policy I do not know. I think they are simply a lawless mob without any army discipline. Even though their numbers are more than the Japanese, the latter with their finely equipped infantry, cavalry, artillery, pontoon bridges, telegraph lines, etc. find it easy to gain every battle. The Chinese have lost so many men-of-war in their naval battles, that I don’t think they will want to test the power of the Japanese war ships any time soon.

The extensive preparations the Japanese army are making make one think they intend to attack Peking next. They feel quite confident since they have had so many sweeping victories. I am sorry for the people in China but it seems no more than right if the two countries must fight that they do it on their own soil and not make the poor Koreans suffer. Perhaps you will understand why it is said there is a famine in Korea. Where the Chinese have been in the north, starvation does threaten the people, but not because of failure of crops but because they have been robbed by the Chinese. I think, however, our people would be very unwise sending grain to Korean government officials as it would never reach the needy people but simply fill the storehouses of the already well provided for. I wish I might make you understand what a tangle this government is in. I think however the Japanese are quite capable of straightening matters although their own government is far from perfect. We feel no fear, whatever. If you could be here and see the situation you perhaps would feel as we do. We see the possibility of danger but we don’t anticipate it. So do not be troubled concerning me. Our work goes on as usual. We have not quite so many girls as we had when school opened last fall but every day or two a new one comes or an old one returns, so I think before cold weather comes our numbers will be as large as they were last year.

The papers and my letters tell me of the hard times which threaten America again this winter. Someone in a letter said they are not Providential but political. Keep me posted as to America’s threatening dangers, and I’ll repay you by giving you the war news.⁹⁴

Page 94 →Hoping this will find you all well & happy

I am, Your affectionate daughter

Lulu E. Frey.

My Dearest Mother:

I am anxiously awaiting the next mail as I always am. I wonder if you watch the letters as closely for my mail as I do for yours. Miss Paine received a mission box a few days ago from Boston; a few things were from her mother half of which was for me. This paper is one of the things and a lovely box of candy.

Everything goes on as usual. I find myself very busy this year, and I expect as the years go on and I become more capable I’ll find plenty to do. I wish you could step in and see how happy we are with our 30 girls. Yesterday the Presbyterians and the Methodists had a joint meeting celebrating tract Sunday. The women and men of course according to custom had separate meetings. We felt proud of our Christian people. In the afternoon we had our regular Union Church foreign service. It was not exactly regular either for several took part in the exercises. I must tell you about Mr. Sill’s talk to us. He was one of the speakers. I’m proud of America every time I think of our Minister and the Democratic party even rises in my estimation when I remember he is their representative. He began by saying he wondered after he had promised to speak what he could say about “tracts.”⁹⁵ He was reminded of an old story of the tract distributor who was so offensive that people dreaded seeing him come. One day he came to a man’s house and made his business known distributing tracts. “Ah yes,” said the man, “Well let me see you distribute some tracts between here and the door and be sure your heels point this way.” So instead of speaking on the subject “tracts” he said he would take the word with the “K” in it. He said Longfellow called them “footprints” and gave the quotation “footprints on the sands of time.”⁹⁶ Spoke of the footprints of Jesus and how while tracts were good, “tracks” or the Christ-like life before the people was better. Think of it—A diplomat preaching to missionaries. If you could see some of the specimens our country and other countries send out to represent them you would be no more surprised than I. We have need to be grateful in this time of trouble that we have a good Minister and Secretary.

This afternoon we are invited to a Tennis party at the German consulate. It is beginning to get cool I am afraid we will not get to play much longer this Page 95 →fall. We play twice a week on the tennis club grounds and the ladies take turns serving tea & cake, but this today is a private affair. We are buying some wood today to go with our coal balls I wrote you about having made out of coal dust. We find our fuel bills very large. I walked over to Chingo-ki a few days ago and got a little stone in my shoe and it raised a little blister. I found my fur slippers just the thing. I hope you will enjoy yours as I do mine. I use them every morning & evening while dressing & undressing. Perhaps at first it will seem odd not to have any heels but you will like them for that for they can be so easily slipped into. I have had no letter as yet from Belle telling what she intends to do.

You spoke of Miss Strong⁹⁷—Yes I know her. I know all I think excepting the English sisters who do not believe in exchanging social calls. Miss Lewis⁹⁸ is still in Japan but is getting better. We look for Dr. Busteed and wife⁹⁹ on the next boat. You will remember he went to America when we went to Japan. We sailed as far as Nagasaki together. He is back now with his bride, whom he married in Brooklyn.

I send this off before the mail comes because I want it to catch the steamer before it leaves Chemulpo. Hope you are all well. I began a letter to George some days ago which I’ve not yet finished. I wrote Nettie also a short letter and one to Father all of which I hope have been received.

Yours with much love—

Lulu E. Frey

I forgot to say all is quiet. The Japanese are still planning but have had no late engagements—

L.E.F.

[From Belle J. Allen.]

My dear Mrs. Frey:

When I saw Lulu last, in Sept, she gave me a parcel to take to you if I’d decided to return home; and to send by the first opportunity if I did not go myself. I am so well that I do not need a furlough now, so have decided to stay on; & so I’m sending this to you by Miss Frey,¹⁰⁰ Willoughby, Lake Co., Ohio. She will express it to you when she arrives home and will send you the bill for duty etc. I would be pleased to know when it reaches you.

The war has not disturbed us in Japan at all, but they are living in constant Page 96 →expectation of flight in China. The fear is not from the Japanese but from the terrible violence of the Chinese mob. May our Heavenly Father guard and keep them all!

With love to you & to Nettie & kind remembrances to your family.

Yours most cordially—

Belle J. Allen.

My dear Mother:

Miss Paine, Miss Harris and Rothweiler have all gone to the Memorial service of Dr. Hall.¹⁰¹ I am able to sit up so will write to you.

Dr. Hall you know I wrote you was very ill of typhus fever. He had gone to Ping An and was taken sick there. Mr. Moffett,¹⁰² a young man of the Presbyterian board brought him back to Seoul. The trip was a hard one for a well man. Coming up the river the boat struck a sand bar and they were obliged to be paddled up in a native “saucepan.” The Doctors had little hope of him from the beginning. He died Saturday night at 6 o’clock and was buried Sunday afternoon, for the disease is so contagious. Mrs. Hall was our Dr. Rosetta Sherwood,¹⁰³ I mean sent out by our board and two years ago married Dr. Hall here. She has a little boy a year old and a baby coming in a few months which makes it very sad.¹⁰⁴ She is waiting a few days to see if she takes the fever and then she is going to America.

This is a terrible day. It is dark and raining & the wind sounds as dismal as possible. I don’t feel dismal for I’m so thankful to be out of bed. I felt pretty discouraged taking so much nasty medicine and none of it succeeding in taking down my temperature. Today it is normal for the first time in more than two weeks.¹⁰⁵

The Republicans¹⁰⁶ came on the last mail with your and Georgia’s letters. None from father for many months—I think he might find time to write “yours received” at least. He wrote me a note which I received in Japan which he said did not count—he would write again soon but if he has written the letters have miscarried. Yours always come all right.

I am anxious about the tortoise shell jinrikisha which I mailed Georgia from Nagasaki and hoped would reach her on her birthday. You have never received it?

I want you to finish about Effie McMillan you merely hinted something Page 97 →was wrong & you would send me papers & tell me in your next letter. You never spoke of it again nor sent the papers.

That was surprising about Rob Colton¹⁰⁷ and Gail Jackson, but quite nice if she prefers money to youth. I know the three girls will have a good time. I guess she will make as good a Methodist as Mary does. Tell Mary not to wait any longer—Mail comes through all right & I want a glimpse of the baby.¹⁰⁸

Give my love to Nettie & family & all—

Lovingly, Lulu

My dear Mother:

This is Father’s birthday, I see. No, it is Grandpa’s, father’s was yesterday. I am well again. I went into school yesterday. Mrs. Scranton protested but I feel all right and there is no one to do the work. It is quite different from home where substitutes can be gotten.

We are busy too getting Esther¹⁰⁹ ready to go home with Mrs. Hall. Esther is one of our girls who married a year and a half ago. Mrs. Hall proposes giving her a medical education, and taking her husband home as her servant. Her home is at Liberty, N.Y.—We all think it will be a little difficult educating & elevating Esther while she keeps her husband a servant. It is not Korean custom that the wife should be so in advance of her husband, nor do we think it best in America. However, I think things will adjust themselves aright in time. It is hard to keep a man down who wants to rise in America. All the Koreans have the fever. I believe if they had the opportunity to go there would not be any left but the aged and the dying. Mary’s¹¹⁰ (our hospital Bible woman a former student of the school) husband went a few weeks ago and is now in the Methodist mission school for Japanese in San Francisco. He has written back the wonders of the land.

Well, I must go to school now, wish I had time to write you more. I wanted to write you a Christmas letter but it is too late now, I was sick when it should have been done. I am sorry you will not have the gifts I wanted you to receive by Christmas, but Miss Allen is slow in going & may not go at all. There may be an opportunity to send by someone else.

Very lovingly Yours

Lulu

We are looking for mail every day.

My Dear Sister Georgia:

Your letters have been received and I suspect you are getting some from me about this time for I wrote you once or twice since I came back from Japan. I’m always so glad to hear from you. Some of your letters I know would make Mr. Hubbard glad, but I’m afraid some would make him ashamed. It isn’t because you don’t know how to spell, but as I tell the girls sometimes, you are a “chosim upnon ayhe”—a careless girl. They don’t like to be called that, but they are more careful the next time with their work. When you are not sure about a word, I know mamma will tell you, for she always did me.

I’m glad you and Lena have such good times together. So Lena has a new aunt?¹¹¹ How nice it is! Everything will be so changed when I get home again that I expect I’ll feel like old Rip Van Winkle. So you have grown an inch and a half in seven months, you will soon be as tall as I am. When you were a very little girl you wanted to be like your big sister, but do you now?

You wrote me Nettie had no girl. Is she still without one? Does Martha¹¹² stay at Grandma Dickinson’s to go to school? I’m glad you have a good teacher and are studying well—What do you study out of school? You say you have a great many.

I know you had a good time in Sidney.¹¹³ I wrote Grandma a long letter. I hope she has received it. Grandma has always been so good to me.

We have all been busy this week getting Esther ready to go to America. Esther was one of our school girls. She is married now and Mrs. Hall, whose husband died a week ago is going to take Esther and her husband both to America. Mrs. Hall hopes to give Esther a medical education so she can come back and be able to doctor her people as she teaches them of Jesus. She is 18 years old. She has just been in to see us. Last night she came dressed in her American clothes. You know that old blue cloth of mine, made with a blazier and trimmed in black braid, I gave that to her and by shortening the sleeves and the skirt it made her a right good dress. Mrs. Hall gave her a pretty striped flannel waist¹¹⁴ to wear under the blazier. She made me think of Yukiye right away.

I just had some chestnuts brought into me tonight. I wish you had some. They are three times as big as our chestnuts and so good & sweet. We have such nice English walnuts here. They are very cheap too. We get oranges from Japan and persimmons grow in abundance here.

Page 99 →I will enclose a package of Japanese playthings which Miss Paine gave me to give to you. You put one of the little things in a pan of water and watch to see what it will do.

I wrote Mother a letter yesterday morning. In the afternoon, after I had mailed her letter, our American mail came with a letter from Mamma dated Nov. 1. I was so sorry to know of Frank’s loss. It must have been a great loss to have so large a number of pigs die. Tell Mother I’ll answer her letter soon.

I’m back in school this week, but am not doing any studying for the Dr. said I could not do both.

I sent you a little tortoise shell jinrikisha from Nagasaki which I hoped would reach you by your birthday. Did you not receive it? You nor mother have spoken of it. I am sorry if it was lost. I am disappointed that you will not get the things I sent home for Christmas but Belle Allen did not go home and so the package is still in Yokohama, Japan. It is almost Christmas time and will be over before this reaches you. I hope you will have had a very happy Christmas and have gotten the things you wanted and have been able to make someone else happy. We do not know what we will do for the girls yet, but I’ll write you about it.

Well I must go to bed and you must get up and go to school.

I hope you keep well and take good care of Papa and Mamma. I’m so sorry Nettie is sick again. I hope she will be better in the new house.

Write me again soon.

Very lovingly Your Sister

Lulu E. Frey.

My Dearest Mother:

You write on the outside of your letter “acknowledge.” I wrote you a short letter a few days ago and one to Georgia in which I acknowledged the receipt of the letter dated Nov. 1. I think I must write you two or three letters to your one. I’m not complaining for you always send me a letter on every steamer and that satisfies me.

I just returned from calling. The Presbyterians and Methodists have heretofore been all in one neighborhood but this fall the Presbyterians spread the work and have four houses over in the Eastern part of the city. We have Page 100 →a chapel and dispensary¹¹⁵ over there and Miss Paine & I had hoped to go there this fall but on account of the war it was thought best not to do so. Now that we are in the school work, and the work planned for the year it seems quite impossible. Well I wish you might have gone with me to see them, not only that you would be interested in the work of your church¹¹⁶ here but that you might have a ride in a chair and see the sights that I find hard to describe. These funny houses many of them not more than eight feet high with their thatched roofs, narrow streets through which the chair barely passed, so dirty that one is obliged to hold one’s breath as much as possible, would all be new to you.

We have had a very warm fall & the doctors think that is why we have so much sickness. There has been on average one death a week among the foreigners since I came back from Japan. But, I was going to say, the odors are not so bad since it is a little cooler. I suspect you would not appreciate our Korean policemen as we do. Always used to seeing the Koreans in long white garments they look so funny in their dark misfitting pants and their tall crowned narrow & rimmed felt hats. Down in the wide street we saw the big oxen with their loads of wood and loads of grass & leaves. Many of the poor people have nothing but this grass and leaves to burn. The ponies looked covered up with their loads for they are so small. I wonder what the people would think to see one of our big horses.

Today we had vacation. Yesterday (Sunday) was Mrs. Scranton’s birthday. She is 62 years old. Today she gave a big feast for the girls and women of our church membership. Such a crowd as we have had. There were many outsiders who came and had a good dinner too. Of course, it was no trouble to us for the Koreans did it all. They sent us in some of the good things. They have a kind of noodle soup which is very good, and the fruits & nuts we are fond of. We are trying to plan for Christmas, so we won’t have the whole city on our hands, for the benefit of the good things to be had. These people don’t think of much else but what they shall eat and wear, and I think they are not much behind some of the other nations who boast of an advanced civilization.

December 11

I’ll add a few lines before closing. I do enjoy the papers so much. I noticed you had my Chemulpo letter in, with a grammatical error in the first line. Never mind—but if you see such mistakes please correct them before handing them to the editor. I wrote that letter very hurriedly without any thought of print.

Page 101 →Mrs. Hall left here Friday, but the baby broke out with measles when she reached Chemulpo and as yet she has not started. I sent a little package by her to be mailed in America for it is against the Japanese postal law to send gold or silver through the mail. I send a little pearl ring for Georgia and a paper cutter of tortoise shell for father. The parcel is addressed to Father. Yesterday I mailed 4½ yards of “Whangma”¹¹⁷ like Georgia’s white dress. Hope you will receive all safely—

Yours lovingly & hastily

Lulu.

My dear Sister Georgia:

It is almost Christmas time. I wonder what you are doing? This afternoon I am having the girls’ New Year’s clothes cut. The Korean New Year’s comes according to the moon, this year it is the 25th of January. They have three weeks of festivities and it is then we will have our vacation. We will have only Monday & Tuesday for Christmas vacation. It is the custom to come out in new clothes New Year’s, just as it is at home on Easter. I have such a nice time teaching this year. My girls are so bright. I have to punish sometimes though, but it hurts me as much if not more than it does them. This morning one of the girls stubbornly refused to answer me, and I asked her if she wanted a whipping, hoping that would make her answer but still she was silent so I had to whip her. I left the room for a few moments and I found when I returned that six of the girls had gone out to play in the first fall of snow which came last night. What should I do with them? I kept them in all recess time and after I rang the bell for the girls to come in I took them one by one to the hall door and washed their faces with snow. I don’t think they will take the opportunity very soon again, to go out when I’m not in the room. I’m very proud of my most advanced English class. The other day I gave them three English words to make sentences. I gave them “iron,” I forget the other words, but Maggie whom I’ve written you of several times, instead of waiting as I expected her to do—she handed me three sentences, correct but like this:

I do not know what iron means.

I do not know what ___ means.

I do not know what ___ means.

Page 102 →Then Lucy Brewster gave me a sentence like this, “Iron does not like to sew.” We have a little girl in school who has not been baptized. Her Korean name is “Moosil” which means “iron.” You see we give them Christian names when they are baptized. I wish you could see my girls.

Only four days till Christmas now for I was interrupted and did not get to go on the day I began. I hope you are well & happy and have had a happy Christmas for when this reaches you Christmas will be almost forgotten.

Write me soon—

Lovingly—Lulu

December 19

Dear Mother: The last mail brought me a letter from Father but none from you. He said you had gone out to see Nettie and stay a few days with her. Is she worse than she usually is in the winter time? I do wish she could spend her winters in a warm climate. How do you keep this cold weather? I am feeling all right except a little cold. This cold weather we are having now is good for the fever patients.

Monday night I attended Mrs. Appenzeller’s tin wedding.¹¹⁸ Mr. & Mrs. A. were both dressed in their wedding clothes, and they didn’t look so badly as one would think. Mrs. Hulbert¹¹⁹ who has been married only 6 years said she would look so funny in her clothes, for her dress was made for a bustle and had those three necks in the back which they wore then. I guess styles must come around again every 10 years. By the way—if you get any of those B [illegible] sheets from the dry good stores as we used to for advertisement, send me one now & then. We like to know what is going on on the other side of the world.

We had such a pleasant time. The refreshments were so “homey” (that is not honey it is “homey”). Food is very different when we can make it. There is a sort of “Chinesey” or “Koreany” taste our cooks serve us with. Mrs. A went into the kitchen & worked with her cook. We don’t have time to more than order our meals.

The Presbyterians are having our annual meeting now. The sessions are all in the morning so I cannot go as I am in school all morning. Our Conference which should have been in August is to be some time in January. The Bishop has closed his China Conferences.

I wish you could come and spend Christmas with us. I often wish I could be home to see you a little while, but never to stay. I look on every mail for your picture. I hope the next mail will bring some Christmas letters. A steamer got in Page 103 →Yokohama the 11th, we give the mail from 8 to ten days to reach us so it is about time.

I do regret that the package which I made for you several months ago will not reach you for Christmas. I doubt if Belle will see Mrs. Hall to send them by her. I wrote you in the last letter of the pretty pearl ring I sent by Mrs. Hall. I shall feel sorry if it is lost, but Mrs. H. had so much baggage that I fear some may be lost.—I sent the Whang-ma for Georgia’s summer dress, and while I think of it I want you to relieve me by telling me if the little jinrikisha was lost or not. It was sent in plenty of time with 85 cts postage for letter postage on it so it would surely go and reach her by her birthday. Write very soon—

With an abundance of love—

Lulu.